Community throws party for sick boy and his twin

A Hubbard mother worked hard to make her twin sons birthday party special, particularly because she thinks it might be the last birthday for one of them.

Hillary Cruz is the mother of twin boys Hyrum Chase and Cruz Gutierrez, who turned 8 last week. While Cruz is a typical, energetic 8-year-old, Chase was born with CHARGE syndrome. CHARGE is an acronym for coloboma of the eye, heart defects, atresia of the choanae, retardation of growth and/or development, genital and/or urinary abnormalities, and ear abnormalities and deafness.

The doctor says theres no reason to explain why my boy is still alive, the single mom said. This birthday is a celebration of life. Were going to roll out the red carpet and make it a way to thank the community.

She said the birthday party, which was April 19, included the boys being serenaded by Portland band Hit Machine and even a ride for fun in the ambulance, thanks to American Medical Response.

I am so grateful for the community support, Cruz said.

In addition to her two boys, Cruz also takes care of her 8-year-old granddaughter Alina, who suffers from epilepsy.

But Cruz is grateful for every day she can spend with Chase.

We didnt think he would survive his first winter, she said. Theres no medical explanation for why hes still alive. But hes here to teach me and to teach the community. Ive learned so much, things you cant learn anywhere else.

Cruz pointed out that she is already grieving the loss of her mother to cancer in January, but she thinks Chase, who is bedridden, wont be around much longer either.

Its been a hard road this year, she said. The whole purpose of a big party was to give a shout-out to the community, fire department, police  everyone who has helped us over the years. Its been a family endeavor, because thats what they are  theyre family.

The community can still help support Chases family, which has tallied up a high amount of medical bills. For more information, visit www.gofundme.com/6rtmec.